Alcohol sales allowed for first time at Women’s College World Series

Tulsa World

By Kyle Fredrickson, The Oklahoman

June 1, 2016

OKLAHOMA CITY – Voting Oklahomans will decide in November if the state will modernize its alcohol laws by allowing liquor stores to sell refrigerated full-strength beer.

There will be no such wait for softball fans craving a cold brew at the Women’s College World Series, though, after the NCAA introduced a pilot program that allows alcohol sales at ASA Hall of Fame Stadium. For the first time in the event’s 34-year history, or any NCAA Championship, beer and wine will be available for purchase by the general public throughout the weeklong event.

The proposal, passed in January by the Division I Board of Directors, was granted on a one-year basis. The NCAA plans to work with local law enforcement to monitor alcohol-related incidents and then compare statistics to previous years in hopes that stadium sales will curb fans sneaking alcohol into the venue and prevent binge drinking incidents before game time.

However, there’s no denying the financial incentive that comes with the proposal, too. Look no further than the University of Texas for evidence. The Longhorns began selling beer to the general public at football games last season. Over just six contests, it brought in $1.8 million in revenue, according to records obtained by the Houston Chronicle.